Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Hamilton City Council has approved a budget of $3.26 million for 16 projects designed to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, grow the urban forest, and help the community adapt to climate change impacts.
These initiatives will also enhance energy efficiency, protect parks and natural spaces, and bolster Hamilton’s ability to handle extreme weather, all while managing long-term operating costs and easing the burden on local taxpayers.
“Hamiltonians are seeing the impacts of climate change in their daily lives, from extreme heat to more frequent severe weather,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “By investing in projects that expand our urban forest, improve energy efficiency and protect our natural environment, we’re taking practical steps to build a healthier, more resilient city, while supporting residents today and into the future.”
A major portion of this funding-$1.5 million-will go towards a Heat Pump Hot Water Tank Project with City Housing Hamilton. This will replace outdated gas water heaters in low-rise units and a multi-level residential building with energy-efficient electric systems in social housing.
An additional $400,000 is allocated for retrofits through the Affordable Housing Acquisition Plan aimed at boosting energy efficiency in affordable housing while preserving rental units and keeping rents manageable for residents.
Moreover, $300,000 is earmarked for a Bird Friendly Window Glazing Study and Implementation project that will identify municipal buildings where birds face collision risks and put measures in place to make those buildings safer for birds.
$250,000 will fund the Tree Canopy and Industry Initiative which aims to increase tree planting efforts in industrial and commercial zones as well as expand Hamilton’s urban forest to cool neighborhoods and enhance tree canopy coverage.
An Open Space Management Plan will establish guidelines for safeguarding and managing natural areas while finding a balance between conservation efforts and recreational use.
“Climate change requires long-term thinking, practical action and strong partnerships across the organization and community,” said Marnie Cluckie, city manager. “These projects are an investment in Hamilton’s future, helping us protect natural assets, improve energy efficiency and strengthen the infrastructure and systems our city depends on.”
In 2019, Hamilton declared a climate emergency due to increasing local effects from climate-related hazards like heat waves, severe flooding, erosion along shorelines and escarpments. This declaration led to the creation of the City’s Hamilton Climate Action Strategy.
The proposed projects were reviewed by a team of five city staff directors who sit on the Climate Change Initiatives Steering Committee alongside two community volunteers from the Climate Change Advisory Committee.
The applications were assessed using a scoring system based on alignment with both the Climate Change Reserve policy as well as the Hamilton Climate Action Strategy; potential greenhouse gas reductions; benefits related to climate resilience; co-benefits; impacts regarding climate justice; along with alignment with priority areas.
“Hamilton took an important step in 2019 by declaring a climate emergency, and we continue to act with a clear plan to address the real impacts our community is facing,” said Lynda Lukasik, Director of Climate Change Initiatives. “With the Climate Change Reserve funding and a strong transparent review process we’re investing in projects that cut emissions build resilience deliver meaningful benefits for residents.”
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